I'm with you...if their PK had been even league average last season they would've run away w/ the Pacific Div. Based on what I've seen in camp (and that I don't think it could get much worse) it should be much better this season.
Their top 6, defense and goaltending can compete with anyone in the league and they're going to have a pretty good 4th line. The 3rd line is the wild card here.
Exactly. They were top 10 in goal differential and only one point away from winning the Pacific with a ton of injuries and an abysmal PK. If those issues are somewhat resolved (big if I know) then they'll be right back in the hunt. I know last season was the worst the Sharks have had in a while, but everyone needs to back away from the ledge a bit.
Exactly. They were top 10 in goal differential and only one point away from winning the Pacific with a ton of injuries and an abysmal PK. If those issues are somewhat resolved (big if I know) then they'll be right back in the hunt. I know last season was the worst the Sharks have had in a while, but everyone needs to back away from the ledge a bit.
THIS. Contrary to the belief on this board, the sharks didn't suddenly become columbus...
Playoffs, make it to the 2nd or 3rd rounds before bowing out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rude
...
I'm almost convinced the Sharks will win the Cup this year simply because it would come with an asterisk. I can honestly see Sharks fans forced to defend their only Cup win against charges of an illegitimate half-season for another twenty years. Seems about right.
-Rude
I felt this way for a while but then realized that everyone in the league has the same chance this year (just like every year). Plus, the playoffs haven't changed so sixteen wins is still sixteen wins. And that is what I would tell everyone who tried to lessen a Sharks SCF win, should it happen this year. But you are right, if it is going to happen to any team it is the Sharks.
I'll laugh so hard if the Sharks win the cup this year. Pick us as favorites to win the cup? Nah. Pick us to miss the playoffs? We'll troll and actually win the cup.
I say the Sharks make the playoffs and get to at least the 2nd round. All these "experts" on ESPN and other hockey outlets picking the Sharks to miss the playoffs make me laugh.
I like Scott Burnside's excuses to why he ranked us 24th in the Power Rankings. I know Burnside is obviously biased against the Sharks, but damn he mustve been smoking some serious stuff when he came up them.
>The Sharks will return pretty much the same lineup that limped into the playoffs as the seventh seed and was ousted in five games by St. Louis (yet this is also pretty much the same team that got to the WCF a couple years ago, go figure)
>We're not sold on the goaltending (a goalie with a Stanley Cup ring, as a starter, no less), and someone needs to drag this team back into contention (because having one of the best top-6 forwards group in the Western Conference isn't enough).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shark Fin Soup
I'll laugh so hard if the Sharks win the cup this year. Pick us as favorites to win the cup? Nah. Pick us to miss the playoffs? We'll troll and actually win the cup.
I'll laugh so hard if the Sharks win the cup this year. Pick us as favorites to win the cup? Nah. Pick us to miss the playoffs? We'll troll and actually win the cup.
More so than any time in the past decade, the Sharks may have the key: low expectations, particularly low visibility.
The Cup went to a California team who everyone assumes will win the Pacific. Despite coming close to winning the division, most projections put the Sharks at the fringe or out of the playoffs.
Seems to me that other teams are where the Sharks once were- the team that everyone thinks are destined for the Cup finals by default.
Hopefully with a better PK and a strong spell by Niemi, we can grind out a mid-range playoff spot and make a run at round three. And of course, with the short season the division is more up for grabs than is given.
The whole thing could fall apart (good god, did you see our third line?), but the Sharks have the bases covered and the post-season is theirs to lose.
It's gross how underrated the Sharks have become. Some people legitimately feel as though they are a lottery team.
Isn't a lottery team one of the five worst teams in the league since they're the only ones eligible for the first pick? I don't think people think they're that bad.
Isn't a lottery team one of the five worst teams in the league since they're the only ones eligible for the first pick? I don't think people think they're that bad.
I probably mixed it up with basketball. Either way, I don't really think it is realistic to expect them to miss the playoffs unless there are a bunch of injuries. Their top 6 and defense are too good.
I think it might be time for the Sharks to start thinking long term. If they make the playoffs, so be it, but I hope they get a lottery pick and really start a rebuild process, for the future.
Isn't a lottery team one of the five worst teams in the league since they're the only ones eligible for the first pick? I don't think people think they're that bad.
New CBA, all 14 teams that miss the playoffs can win the lottery and get the number 1 draft pick.
I for one think we have a shot at the whole enchilda.. Larry freaking Robinson people!!!This team is already 5 wins better. Gone are the Koala's sidekicks. When completely healthy, our D is top 5. Offensively we are healthy and can score with anyone in the league. Win the division, maybe, not necessary though. Atleast another WCF at the worst.
with the age of jumbo and Marleau and the fact that the pacific got better imo, I think the Sharks will miss the playoffs. I hope not but with the new lottery rule changes that could mean a top five pick even if they're not that bad.
